Long-term efficacy and safety results of taliglucerase alfa through 5years in adult treatment-naïve patients with Gaucher disease.

Taliglucerase alfa, the first available plant cell-expressed recombinant therapeutic protein, is an enzyme replacement therapy approved for Gaucher disease (GD). PB-06-001, a pivotal phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-dose study investigated taliglucerase alfa 30 or 60U/kg every other week through 9months in treatment-naïve adults with GD; 30-month extension study PB-06-003 followed. Patients completing PB-06-001 and PB-06-003 could continue treatment in PB-06-007. Nineteen patients enrolled in PB-06-007 (30U/kg, n=8; 60U/kg, n=9; dose adjusted, n=2); 17 completed 5 total years of treatment. In these 3 groups, respectively, taliglucerase alfa resulted in mean decreases in spleen volume (-8.7, -6.9, -12.4 multiples of normal), liver volume (-0.6, -0.4, -0.5 multiples of normal), chitotriosidase activity (-83.1%, -93.4%, -87.9%), and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 18 concentration (-66.7%, -83.3%, -78.9%), as well as mean increases in hemoglobin concentration (+2.1, +2.1, +1.8mg/dL) and platelet count (+31,871, +106,800, +34,000/mm3). The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis and arthralgia. Most adverse events were mild/moderate; no serious adverse events were considered treatment-related. These results demonstrate continued improvement of disease parameters during 5years of taliglucerase alfa therapy in 17 treatment-naive patients with no new safety concerns, extending the taliglucerase alfa clinical efficacy and safety dataset. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01422187.

A review of -multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a neonatal unit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Multi-drug resistant organisms are an increasingly important cause of neonatal sepsis. AIM: This study aimed to review neonatal sepsis caused by multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDRE) in neonates in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: This was a cross sectional retrospective review of MDRE in neonates admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. RESULTS: There were 465 infections in 291 neonates. 68.6% were very low birth weight (< 1500 g). The median age of infection was 14.0 days. Risk factors for MDRE included prematurity (p = 0.01), lower birth weight (p = 0.04), maternal HIV infection (p = 0.02) and oxygen on day 28 (p < 0.001). The most common isolate was Klebsiella pneumoniae (66.2%). Total MDRE isolates increased from 0.39 per 1000 neonatal admissions in 2013 to 1.4 per 1000 neonatal admissions in 2015 (p < 0.001). There was an increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) from 2.6% in 2013 to 8.9% in 2015 (p = 0.06). Most of the CRE were New Delhi metallo-ß lactamase- (NDM) producers. The all-cause mortality rate was 33.3%. Birth weight (p = 0.003), necrotising enterocolitis (p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with mortality. Serratia marcescens was isolated in 55.2% of neonates that died. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant increase in MDRE in neonatal sepsis during the study period, with the emergence of CRE. This confirms the urgent need to intensify antimicrobial stewardship efforts and address infection control and prevention in neonatal units in LMICs. Overuse of broad- spectrum antibiotics should be prevented.

Long-term safety and efficacy of taliglucerase alfa in pediatric Gaucher disease patients who were treatment-naïve or previously treated with imiglucerase.

Taliglucerase alfa is an enzyme replacement therapy approved for treatment of Gaucher disease (GD) in children and adults in several countries. This multicenter extension study assessed the efficacy and safety of taliglucerase alfa in pediatric patients with GD who were treatment-naïve (n=10) or switched from imiglucerase (n=5). Patients received taliglucerase alfa 30 or 60U/kg (treatment-naïve) or the same dose as previously treated with imiglucerase every other week. In treatment-naïve patients, taliglucerase alfa 30 and 60U/kg, respectively, reduced mean spleen volume (-18.6 multiples of normal [MN] and -26.0MN), liver volume (-0.8MN and -0.9MN), and chitotriosidase activity (-72.7% and -84.4%), and increased mean Hb concentration (+2.0g/dL and +2.3g/dL) and mean platelet count (+38,200/mm3 and +138,250/mm3) from baseline through 36 total months of treatment. In patients previously treated with imiglucerase, these disease parameters remained stable through 33 total months of treatment with taliglucerase alfa. Most adverse events were mild/moderate; treatment was well tolerated. These findings extend the taliglucerase alfa safety and efficacy profile and demonstrate long-term clinical improvement in treatment-naïve children receiving taliglucerase alfa and maintenance of disease stability in children switched to taliglucerase alfa. Treatment was well-tolerated, with no new safety signals. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01411228.

Long-term efficacy and safety results of taliglucerase alfa up to 36 months in adult treatment-naïve patients with Gaucher disease.

Taliglucerase alfa is an intravenous enzyme replacement therapy approved for treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease (GD), and is the first available plant cell-expressed recombinant therapeutic protein. Herein, we report long-term safety and efficacy results of taliglucerase alfa in treatment-naïve adult patients with GD. Patients were randomized to receive taliglucerase alfa 30 or 60 U/kg every other week, and 23 patients completed 36 months of treatment. Taliglucerase alfa (30 U/kg; 60 U/kg, respectively) resulted in mean decreases in spleen volume (50.1%; 64.6%) and liver volume (25.6%; 24.4%) with mean increases in hemoglobin concentration (16.0%; 35.8%) and platelet count (45.7%; 114.0%), and mean decreases in chitotriosidase activity (71.5%; 82.2%). All treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity and transient. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, pain in extremity, and hypertension. These 36-month results of taliglucerase alfa in treatment-naïve adult patients with GD demonstrate continued improvement in disease parameters with no new safety concerns. These findings extend the taliglucerase alfa clinical safety and efficacy dataset. www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00705939. Am. J. Hematol. 91:656-660, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nanoscale roughness micromilled silica evanescent refractometer.

We demonstrate machining of precision slots in silica with nanoscale roughness for applications in photonics. Using our in-house developed milling system we have achieved machined slots with surface roughness of 3.0 nm (Sa) and 17 µm depth of cut. This result represents eight times improvement in surface roughness and forty times increase in depth of cut than previously reported. We also demonstrate integration of these milled slots with UV-written waveguides and Bragg gratings to create optical refractometers, based on monitoring Fabry-Pérot spectral fringe changes.

Comparison of morbidity and mortality of very low birth weight infants in a Central Hospital in Johannesburg between 2006/2007 and 2013.

BACKGROUND: Health protocols need to be guided by current data on survival and benefits of interventions within the local context. Periodic clinical audits are required to inform and update health care protocols. This study aimed to review morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in 2013 compared with similar data from 2006/2007. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients' records from a neonatal computer database for 562 VLBW infants. These neonates weighed between 500 and 1500 g at birth, and were admitted within 48 hours after birth between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. Patients' characteristics, complications of prematurity, and therapeutic interventions were compared with 2006/2007 data. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed to establish significant associations of various factors with survival to discharge for 2013. RESULTS: Survival in 2013 was similar to that in 2006/2007 (73.4% vs 70.2%, p = 0.27). However, survival in neonates who weighed 750-900 g significantly improved from 20.4% in 2006/2007 to 52.4% in 2013 (p = 0.001). The use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) increased from 20.3% to 62.9% and surfactant use increased from 19.2% to 65.5% between the two time periods (both p < 0.001). Antenatal care attendance improved from 54.4% to 70.6% (p = 0.001) and late onset sepsis (>72 hours after birth) increased from 12.5% to 19% (p = 0.006) between the two time periods. Other variables remained unchanged between 2006/2007 and 2013. The main determinants of survival to discharge in 2013 were birth weight (odds ratio 1.005, 95% confidence interval 1.003-1.0007, resuscitation at birth (2.673, 1.375-5.197), NCPAP (0.247, 0.109-0.560), necrotising enterocolitis (4.555, 1.659-12.51), and mode of delivery, including normal vaginal delivery (0.456, 0.231-0.903) and vaginal breech (0.069, 0.013-0.364). CONCLUSIONS: There was a marked improvement in the survival of neonates weighing between 750 and 900 g at birth, most likely due to provision of surfactant and NCPAP. Provision of NCPAP, prevention of necrotising enterocolitis, and control of infection need to be prioritised in VLBW infants to improve their outcome.

Integrated optical dual-cantilever arrays in silica on silicon.

A dual cantilever device has been demonstrated which can operate as a force sensor or variable attenuator. The device is fabricated using physical micromachining techniques that do not require cleanroom class facilities. The response of the device to mechanical actuation is measured, and shown to be well described by conventional fiber optic angular misalignment theory. The device has the potential to be utilized within integrated optical components for sensors or attenuators. An array of devices was fabricated with potential for parallel operation.

Background changing patterns of neonatal fungal sepsis in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is the predominant isolate in many neonatal fungal bloodstream infections (BSIs), so fluconazole is used as empiric antifungal therapy. AIM: To determine the predominant organisms, antifungal sensitivity patterns, clinical and demographic risk factors and crude mortality rate in neonatal fungal BSI cases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a review of all neonatal fungal BSI cases between January 2007 and December 2011. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. Candida parapsilosis (54.2%) was isolated in majority of the cases, followed by C. albicans (27.1%). Fluconazole resistance was present in 16 of 32 cases of C. parapsilosis versus 1 of 16 cases of C. albicans (P = 0.003). Mortality rate was 45.8%. Surgical problems were present in 55.9%. Death was significantly associated with lower birth weight (P = 0.046) and necrotizing enterocolitis (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in neonatal fungal BSI and resistant organisms highlights the need to review use of routine empiric fluconazole and to implement preventive measures.

Developmental outcome of very low birth weight infants in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Advances in neonatal care allow survival of extremely premature infants, who are at risk of handicap. Neurodevelopmental follow up of these infants is an essential part of ongoing evaluation of neonatal care. The neonatal care in resource limited developing countries is very different to that in first world settings. Follow up data from developing countries is essential; it is not appropriate to extrapolate data from units in developed countries. This study provides follow up data on a population of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: The study sample included all VLBW infants born between 01/06/2006 and 28/02/2007 and discharged from the neonatal unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Version 111 (BSID) 111 were done to assess development. Regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with poor outcome. RESULTS: 178 infants were discharged, 26 were not available for follow up, 9 of the remaining 152 (5.9%) died before an assessment was done; 106 of the remaining 143 (74.1%) had a BSID 111 assessment. These 106 patients form the study sample; mean birth weight and mean gestational age was 1182 grams (SD: 197.78) and 30.81 weeks (SD: 2.67) respectively. The BSID (111) was done at a median age of 16.48 months. The mean cognitive subscale was 88.6 (95% CI: 85.69-91.59), 9 (8.5%) were < 70, mean language subscale was 87.71 (95% CI: 84.85-90.56), 10 (9.4%) < 70, and mean motor subscale was 90.05 (95% CI: 87.0-93.11), 8 (7.6%) < 70. Approximately one third of infants were identified as being at risk (score between 70 and 85) on each subscale. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 4 (3.7%) of babies. Factors associated with poor outcome included cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), resuscitation at birth, maternal parity, prolonged hospitalisation and duration of supplemental oxygen. PVL was associated with poor outcome on all three subscales. Birth weight and gestational age were not predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSION: Although the neurodevelopmental outcome of this group of VLBW infants was within the normal range, with a low incidence of cerebral palsy, these results may reflect the low survival of babies with a birth weight below 900 grams. In addition, mean subscale scores were low and one third of the babies were identified as "at risk", indicating that this group of babies warrants long-term follow up into school going age.

Growth of a cohort of very low birth weight infants in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the growth of VLBW infants in South Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the growth of a cohort of VLBW infants in Johannesburg. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort was conducted on 139 VLBW infants (birth weight ≤ 1500 g) admitted to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Growth measurements were obtained from patient files and compared with the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS) and with a previous cohort of South African VLBW infants. The sample size per analysis ranged from 11 to 81 infants. RESULTS: Comparison with the WHO-CGS showed initial poor growth followed by gradual catch up growth with mean Z scores of 0.0 at 20 months postmenstrual age for weight, -0.8 at 20 months postmenstrual age for length and 0.0 at 3 months postmenstrual age for head circumference. Growth was comparable with that of a previous cohort of South African VLBW infants in all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Initial poor growth in the study sample was followed by gradual catch up growth but with persistent deficits in length for age at 20 months postmenstrual age relative to healthy term infants.

Feeding of infants of HIV-positive mothers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To highlight recent research that has contributed to an improved understanding of, or resulted in, important changes in the approach to feeding HIV-exposed infants. RECENT FINDINGS: The administration of antiretroviral therapy to a HIV-positive pregnant woman and its continued use during breast-feeding significantly reduce postnatal HIV transmission to her child. Similarly, extended antiretroviral prophylaxis to the breast-feeding infant dramatically decreases HIV transmission and promotes HIV-free child survival. Predominant breast-feeding may be as effective as exclusive breast-feeding in reducing HIV transmission risk. The protective role of immune modulators such as interferon-gamma and interleukin-15 in preventing breast milk transmission is being better appreciated. Although infant-feeding counseling is critical to the success of infant survival strategies, it is generally done poorly with few examples of successful consequences other than in research settings. SUMMARY: Breast-feeding of HIV-exposed infants can be made considerably safer in resource-constrained settings through the provision of maternal highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), maternal short-course antiretrovirals, and extended infant antiretroviral prophylaxis.

Determinants of survival in very low birth weight neonates in a public sector hospital in Johannesburg.

BACKGROUND: Audit of disease and mortality patterns provides essential information for health budgeting and planning, as well as a benchmark for comparison. Neonatal mortality accounts for about 1/3 of deaths < 5 years of age and very low birth weight (VLBW) mortality for approximately 1/3 of neonatal mortality. Intervention programs must be based on reliable statistics applicable to the local setting; First World data cannot be used in a Third World setting. Many neonatal units participate in the Vermont Oxford Network (VON); limited resources prevent a significant number of large neonatal units from developing countries taking part, hence data from such units is lacking. The purpose of this study was to provide reliable, recent statistics relevant to a developing African country, useful for guiding neonatal interventions in that setting. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of 474 VLBW infants admitted within 24 hours of birth, between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007, to the neonatal unit of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Binary outcome logistic regression on individual variables and multiple logistic regression was done to identify those factors determining survival. RESULTS: Overall survival was 70.5%. Survival of infants below 1001 grams birth weight was 34.9% compared to 85.8% for those between 1001 and 1500 grams at birth. The main determinant of survival was birth weight with an adjusted survival odds ratio of 23.44 (95% CI: 11.22 - 49.00) for babies weighing between 1001 and 1500 grams compared to those weighing below 1001 grams. Other predictors of survival were gender (OR 3. 21; 95% CI 1.6 - 6.3), birth before arrival at the hospital (BBA) (OR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.69), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) (OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.20), hypotension (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01 - 0.21) and nasal continuous positive airways pressure (NCPAP) (OR 4.58; 95% CI 1.58 - 13.31). CONCLUSIONS: Survival rates compare favourably with other developing countries, but can be improved; especially in infants < 1001 grams birth weight. Resources need to be allocated to preventing the birth of VLBW babies outside hospital, early neonatal resuscitation, provision of NCPAP and prevention of NEC.

Growth and metabolism of infants born to women infected with human immunodeficiency virus and fed acidified whey-adapted starter formulas.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a biologically and chemically acidified formula with or without probiotics with a standard formula on growth of infants negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: This was a double-masked, randomized, clinical trial. Infants born to consenting HIV-positive women who had decided not to breast-feed before being approached for participating in the study were randomized to receive one of four milk formulas: a chemically acidified formula with or without probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis), a biologically acidified formula, or a standard whey formula. Infants who subsequently became HIV-positive according to polymerase chain reaction at 6 wk were excluded. Their growth and biochemical status were monitored for 4-6 mo. The z scores at the last visit of infants in each of the four formula groups were compared using analysis of covariance correcting for the z scores at baseline. Blood gases and pH were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance corrected for center. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two HIV-negative infants were monitored for growth and biochemical parameters for 4-6 mo. There was an improvement of z scores for all formulas, and there were no differences in weight for age (P = 0.22), length for age (P = 0.56), head circumference for age (P = 0.66), or weight for length (P = 0.13). There were no differences in blood pH and biochemical parameters among the formula groups. CONCLUSION: The growth of infants fed one of the three acidified formulas was not inferior to the standard formula. Growth and metabolism in HIV-negative infants fed the acidified formulas were not affected by the method of milk acidification.

Use of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, to Assess Developmental Outcome in Infants and Young Children in an Urban Setting in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (III) is a tool developed in a Western setting. AIM: To evaluate the development of a group of inner city children in South Africa with no neonatal risk factors using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (III), to determine an appropriate cut-off to define developmental delay, and to establish variation in scores done in the same children before and after one year of age. METHODS: Cohort follow-up study. RESULTS: 74 children had at least one Bayley III assessment at a mean age of 19.4 months (95% CI 18.4 to 20.4). The mean composite cognitive score was 92.2 (95% CI 89.4 to 95.0), the mean composite language score was 94.8 (95% CI 92.5 to 97.1), and mean composite motor score was 98.8 (95% CI 96.8 to 101.0). No child had developmental delay using a cut-off score of 70. In paired assessments above and below one year of age, the cognitive score remained unchanged, the language score decreased significantly (p = 0.001), and motor score increased significantly (p = 0.004) between the two ages. CONCLUSION: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (III) is a suitable tool for assessing development in urban children in southern Africa.

A review of delivery room resuscitation in very low birth weight infants in a middle income country.

BACKGROUND: Advanced levels of delivery room resuscitation in very low birth weight infants are reported to be associated with death and complications of prematurity. In resource limited settings, the need for delivery room resuscitation is often used as a reason to limit care in these infants. METHODS: This was a review of delivery room resuscitation in very low birth weight infants born in a tertiary hospital in South Africa between 01 January 2013 and 30 June 2016. Outcomes included death and serious complications of prematurity. Advanced delivery room resuscitation was defined as the need for intubation, chest compressions or the administration of adrenaline. RESULTS: A total of 1511 very low birth weight infants were included in the study. The majority (1332/1511 (88.2%) required oxygen in the delivery room. Face mask ventilation was needed in 45.2% (683/1511). Advanced delivery room resuscitation was only required in 10.6% (160/1511). More than half the infants who required advanced delivery room resuscitation died (89/160; 55.6%). Advanced delivery room resuscitation was required in significantly more infants <1000 grams at birth than those infants >1000 grams (83/539 (15.4%) vs 77/972 (7.9%) p < 0.001). Advanced delivery room resuscitation was significantly associated with a 5 minute Apgar score < 6 (OR 13.8 (95%CI 8.6-22.0), supplemental oxygen at day 28 (OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.4-3.9), metabolic acidosis (OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.1-4.8) and death (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.1-3.3). Other serious complications of prematurity were not associated with advanced delivery room resuscitation. Mortality was increased in infants with a low admission temperature (35.1 °C (SD 0.92) vs 36.1 °C (SD 1.4) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a high mortality rate associated with advanced delivery room resuscitation; however complications of prematurity were not increased in survivors..The need for advanced delivery room resuscitation alone should not be used as a predictor of poor outcome in very low birth weight infants. Survivors of advanced delivery room resuscitation should be afforded ventilatory support if required. Special care must be taken to avoid hypothermia in very low birth weight infants requiring resuscitation at birth.

Retrospective cross-sectional review of survival rates in critically ill children admitted to a combined paediatric/neonatal intensive care unit in Johannesburg, South Africa, 2013-2015.

OBJECTIVE: Report on survival to discharge of children in a combined paediatric/neonatal intensive care unit (PNICU). DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional record review. PARTICIPANTS: All children (medical and surgical patients) admitted to PNICU between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2015. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome-survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes-disease profiles and predictors of mortality in different age categories. RESULTS: There were 1454 admissions, 182 missing records, leaving 1272 admissions for review. Overall mortality rate was 25.7% (327/1272). Mortality rate was 41.4% (121/292) (95% CI 35.8% to 47.1%) for very low birthweight (VLBW) babies, 26.6% (120/451) (95% CI 22.5% to 30.5%) for bigger babies and 16.2% (86/529) (95% CI 13.1% to 19.3%) for paediatric patients. Risk factors for a reduced chance of survival to discharge in paediatric patients included postcardiac arrest (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.49), inotropic support (OR 0.085, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.17), hypernatraemia (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.6), bacterial sepsis (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.65) and lower respiratory tract infection (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.97). Major birth defects (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.74), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new born (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.91), metabolic acidosis (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.74), inotropic support (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.45) and congenital heart defects (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.62) predicted decreased survival in bigger babies. Birth weight (OR 0.997, 95% CI 0.995 to 0.999), birth outside the hospital (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.84), HIV exposure (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.99), resuscitation at birth (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.94), metabolic acidosis (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.60) and necrotising enterocolitis (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.46) predicted poor survival in VLBW babies. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing mortality review is essential to improve provision of paediatric critical care.

Polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection in infancy in low resource settings.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential for accessing treatment. Current HIV diagnostic protocols for infants require adaptation and validation before they can be implemented in the developing world. The timing and type of HIV assays will be dictated by country-specific circumstances and experience from similar settings. The performance of an HIV-1 DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and in particular a single test at 6 weeks of age, in diagnosing HIV subtype C infection acquired in utero or peripartum was assessed. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1825 Amplicor HIV-1 DNA PCR version 1.5 tests performed between 2000 and 2004 in 2 laboratories in Johannesburg, South Africa on 769 effectively non-breast-fed infants from 3 clinically well characterized cohorts was undertaken. The HIV status of each infant was used as the standard against which the HIV PCR results were compared. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and specificity of the HIV PCR test were 99.3 and 99.5% respectively. A single test was 98.8% sensitive and 99.4% specific in the 627 infants tested at 6 weeks of age (58 HIV-infected and 569 HIV-uninfected). Repeat testing of all positive HIV PCR tests minimized false positive results. CONCLUSIONS: In resource-poor settings where HIV PCR testing in an environment of good laboratory practice is feasible, a single 6-week HIV DNA PCR test can increase identification of HIV-infected children substantially from current levels. Further operational research on how best to implement and monitor such a diagnostic protocol in specific local settings, especially in breast-fed infants, is necessary.

Bacterial bloodstream infections in neonates in a developing country.

Background. Ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of bacteria isolated in bloodstream infections guides empiric antibiotic therapy in neonatal sepsis. Methods. Sensitivity profiles of neonatal bacterial bloodstream infections in a tertiary hospital were reviewed between 01/06/2009 and 30/06/2010 . Results. There were 246 episodes of bloodstream infection in 181 individuals-(14.06 episodes in10.35 patients/1000 patient days or 14.4 episodes in 10.6 babies/1000 live births. The majority were (93.5%) were late onset and most (54.9%) were gram positive. There were 2.28 sepsis-related deaths /1000 patient days or 2.3/1000 live births. Death was significantly associated with gram-negative infections (P < 0.001), multiple gestation (P < 0.001), shock (P = 0.008), NEC (P = 0.002), and shorter duration of hospital stay (P < 0.001). Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was isolated in 19.1%, K. pneumoniae ESBL in 12.1%, and A. baumanni in 10.9%. S. agalactiae predominated in early onset sepsis. Methicillin resistance was present in 86% of CoNS and 69.5% of S. aureus; 46% enterococcal isolates were ampicillin resistant. The majority (65%) of K. pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers. Ampicillin resistance was present in 96% of E. coli. Conclusions. Penicillin and an aminoglycoside would be suitable empiric therapy for early onset sepsis and meropenem with gentamycin or ceftazidime with amikacin for late onset sepsis.

The clinical challenge of preventing and treating malnutrition.

Malnutrition remains a major problem in children in large parts of the developing world. About 150 million young children in the developing world are either wasted or stunted, and it has been estimated that over half of childhood deaths are attributable to the potentiating effects of malnutrition. Thus, tackling both mild-moderate and severe malnutrition effectively is essential if the millennium development goals are to be achieved. Intervention strategies to promote exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months in the absence of maternal HIV infection will result in significant improvements in nutrition, and are key to prevention strategies for malnutrition. Careful evaluation and effective counseling of HIV-positive mothers regarding feeding choices is essential. Evidence from a number of randomized controlled trials shows that ready to use foods have an important role to play in the prevention and treatment of both outpatient and inpatient malnutrition. Such foods were initially produced commercially, but it has been shown, particularly in Malawi, that such foods can be locally produced at low cost. In some parts of the world, HIV is a major underlying cause of malnutrition in children and is associated with high mortality rates in those with severe malnutrition. Strategies for the prevention and treatment of children with HIV need to be escalated.